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Organizations

Valve Corporation

Valve Corporation is an American video game developer, publisher, and digital distribution company behind Steam, Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and the Half-Life franchise.

Entity profile
Valve Corporation
Wikimedia Commons, Valve logo sourced from Valve Software

Commercial snapshot

Founded

1996

Headquarters

Bellevue, Washington, USA

Founder

Gabe Newell

Key esports games

Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2

Platform

Steam

Annual revenue

$5 billion (2023)

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Valve Corporation is an American video game developer, publisher, and digital distribution company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Founded in 1996 by former Microsoft employees Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington, Valve is one of the most influential companies in both gaming and esports.

Key Esports Titles

  • Counter-Strike — The definitive tactical shooter esport, with Counter-Strike 2 as the latest iteration
  • Dota 2 — One of the most prestigious MOBAs in esports, anchored by The International
  • Steam — The dominant PC gaming distribution platform, central to the competitive gaming ecosystem

Esports Impact

Valve operates a distinctive hands-off approach to esports, allowing third-party tournament organizers like ESL and BLAST to run most competitive events. The International (Dota 2) has consistently featured some of the largest prize pools in esports history through its crowdfunding model. Counter-Strike Majors, operated by ESL and others, remain the most prestigious events in tactical shooter esports.